Jason Donnelly

As soon as the weather turns chilly, its officiallyChristmas cookie season.

Stir in a little melted butter, and you have the perfect crust for a pie or tart.

Homemade Cookie Butter

Christmas cookies are usually packed with delicious spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cooling rack with an array of cutout Christmas cookies in the shapes of trees, snowmen, snowflakes and ornaments

Credit:Jason Donnelly

All that flavor is perfect for churning the leftovers into a sweethomemade cookie butter.

Gooey Layered Bars

Another use for chocolate cookies: these delicious, decadentIrish cream bars.

Plus, this adults-only treat doesnt require any baking,just melting butterand chocolate on the stove.

you’re free to also try out a variation with pecan shortbread cookies for more fall-forward flavors.

Unexpected Cocktail Garnish

Not ready to let the holidays go quite yet?